The flu (symptoms can appear suddenly, without warning) exhibits nausea, cough without phlegm, chills and body aches, sweating, fever (above 102 degrees F, but may have no fever at all), lack of appetite, vomiting (more common in kids), diarrhea (more common in kids).

The Visiting Angels specialize in senior citizens. They advise getting the flu shot because it is free and available through Medicare. They also advise an anti-viral shot within 48 hours of contracting the flu. They assemble "Fight the flu" kits for seniors which include paper towels for use in the bathroom, the Medisim Temple Touch Thermometer, Vitamin C or little boxes of orange juice, pocket-size hand sanitizer with aloe, personal pens, Lysol spray for door knobs, etc., hand soap, hand sanitizer wipes, and the above cold vs. flu tip sheet.

They also advise that seniors avoid public restrooms, the mall, grocery stores, restaurants and libraries. The question occurs: won't they get tired sitting at their computers or a TV set all day? Wait: they can take a walk! And buy books through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.